1 Nephi 13-15

1 Nephi – Lesson 4: 1 Nephi 13-15

Note: Nephi’s vision is retold in chapters 11-14 of First Nephi. Chapters 11-12 contain Nephi’s prophecy regarding the Savior’s mortal ministry. Chapters 13-14 contain Nephi’s prophecy about the future of the promised land (the Americas) and the formation of two “churches.” The “great and abominable church” described in these chapters might more properly be called an abominable “kingdom” or “organization.” No specific church or denomination is implied.

Day 1: Read 1 Nephi 13:1-18
1. As your read 1 Nephi 1:1-9, list what Nephi said are the desires of those under the influence of Satan.


2. Read the article under “Gentile” in the Bible Dictionary. What are the two meanings of the word “gentile” as used in scripture? Which meaning do you think Nephi intended in these verses? How were they in captivity?



3. Give possible meanings for “many waters” (v.10); “a man among the Gentiles” (v. 12); “other Gentiles” (v.13); “mother Gentiles” (v.17)’ and “battle” (v.18 – in other words, which battle or war?).




Day 2: Read 1 Nephi 13:19-33
4. What do you think is represented by the book Nephi describes as being carried by the Gentiles, which “proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew”?



5. What did Nephi see would happen to this book that would cause the Gentiles to stumble?



6. What were the promises to Nephi regarding his seed in vv. 30-33?



Day 3: Read 1 Nephi 13:34-42
7. How will we be blessed if we seek to bring forth Zion and endure to the end?



8. List some possible explanations or interpretations of the records Nephi saw which would come forth to restore plain and precious truths.



9. How will the first be last and the last first?



Day 4: Read 1 Nephi 14:1-14
10. 1 Nephi 14:1-3 contains multiple IF/THEN statements. What are the two “IF” parts of the promise? Now, list two “THEN” promises in verse one and three from vv. 2-3.



11. Using the Topical Guide heading in footnote 7a, what is the “marvelous work” foreseen by Nephi? How does this work sift people?



12. Substitute the word “organizations” or “kingdoms” for the word “churches” in v.10. How do our covenants protect us against wickedness?


Day 5: Read 1 Nephi 14:15-30; Revelation 17 and Revelation 18:2
13. What additional insight(s) regarding “the mother of harlots’ do you get from John the Revelator?


14. Why was Nephi forbidden to write further regarding his vision?


15 (BONUS) How was Nephi’s vision of the future of the Americas and the two churches instructive in interpreting Lehi’s vision of the tree of life?



Day 6: Read 1 Nephi 15:1-18
16. Why was Nephi so burdened with grief?


17. Outline Nephi’s IF/THEN pattern for receiving revelation in v.11.


18. How is Israel like an Olive tree?


Day 7: Read 1 Nephi 15:19-36
19. How is the word of God like an Iron Rod?

20. Read John 1:1-5, 14. What is another meaning for the Word of God?

21. What is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (v.36)?


22. Do you notice a difference in Nephi’s preaching to his brethren after he has seen the future of their sed in vision? If so, how is it different?